Device comprising sensor-activated dispensing and auditory tone

ABSTRACT

The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a dispensing device that enables sensor-activated dispensing and playing of an auditory tone. The disclosed dispenser includes a housing comprising an internal reservoir that retains the product to be dispensed. The dispenser further includes one or more sensors that act as a motion detector to release a predetermined amount of product from the internal reservoir. The motion sensor further triggers the release of one or more predetermined auditory tones to be played from a speaker configured in the lower portion of the dispenser. Accordingly, users are encouraged to frequently use the dispenser, such as for hand washing and other activities.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/921,502 filed Jun. 24, 2019, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to adispensing device that enables sensor-activated dispensing andinitiation of an auditory tone (e.g., music, quotes, health tips).

BACKGROUND

Frequent hand washing is recommended to destroy many of the germs thatcause viruses, colds, and other diseases. Particularly, the Center forDisease Control (CDC) recommends that people wash their hands with warmwater and soap for at least 20 seconds. However, many children andadults wash their hands for only a few seconds or merely rinse theirhands under water without using soap. With the onset of Coronavirus, thecommon cold, and season influenza virus, proper hand washing techniquesare especially important to stop the spread of harmful illnesses.Traditional dispensers typically require the user to press or pull anarea of the dispenser to actuate the dispensing function, which canspread germs and be unsanitary. It would therefore be beneficial toprovide a touchless dispenser that encourages use, such as in adults,children, and the elderly. It would further be beneficial if thedispenser was aesthetically pleasing and entertaining, thereby enticingthe user to wash their hands for the recommended 20 seconds.

SUMMARY

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a dispensercomprising a housing defined by an inner reservoir and a dispensingoutlet. The dispenser further includes a base operatively connected to abottom surface of the housing, wherein the base comprises at least onespeaker capable of transmitting an auditory tone. The dispensercomprises a sensor capable of detecting the presence of a user, whereinthe sensor is configured to dispense a predetermined amount of producthoused within the inner reservoir and simultaneously transmit anauditory tone from the speaker when the presence of a user is detected.

In some embodiments, the auditory tone is selected from music, quotes,Scripture, jokes, short stories, passages from the King James Bible, orcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the sensor is configured adjacent to the dispensingoutlet.

In some embodiments, a top surface of the housing includes an accessoperably connected to the inner reservoir.

In some embodiments, the sensor is selected from a motion sensor,infrared sensor, or heat sensor.

In some embodiments, the speakers are positioned beneath the base.

In some embodiments, the dispenser further comprises a microcontroller,a motor controller, a motor pump, and a digital tone module.

In some embodiments, the digital music module is an MP3 module.

In some embodiments, the microcontroller is configured to simultaneouslysend signals to the motor controller and the digital tone module.

In some embodiments, the motor controller activates the motor to drivethe pump to dispense a product housed within the reservoir.

In some embodiments, the digital tone module is configured to play arandom audio tone when the sensor is triggered.

In some embodiments, the digital audio tone is stored on a removablemicro-SD card.

In some embodiments, the dispenser further comprises an audio amplifier.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directedto a method of simultaneously dispensing a product and transmitting anauditory tone from the disclosed upon triggering of the dispensersensor. Particularly, the method comprises positioning an objectadjacent to the sensor of the disclosed dispenser to trigger the sensor;dispensing a pre-determined amount of product from the outlet; andsimultaneously emitting an auditory tone from the at least one speaker;wherein the auditory tone lasts for a pre-determined amount of time.

In some embodiments, the auditory tone is randomly selected from anumber of different auditory tones.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of a dispenser in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2 a is a front plan view of a dispenser in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2 b is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of a dispenser reservoir in accordancewith some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 b is a fragmentary view of a dispenser reservoir comprising a lidin accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subjectmatter.

FIG. 3 c is a fragmentary view of a reservoir window in accordance withsome embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 a is a top plan view of a dispenser in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 b is a fragmentary side plan view of a dispenser in accordancewith some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 c is a side plan view of a dispenser with a removable reservoirin accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subjectmatter.

FIG. 5 a is a bottom plan view of a dispenser in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 b is a side plan view of a dispenser comprising a plurality ofsensors in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosedsubject matter.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side view of a dispenser base in accordance withsome embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustrating the mechanics of how product isdispensed and an auditory tone is played in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 8 is a side plan view illustrating a motor and pump assembly inaccordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subjectmatter.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustrating one embodiment of using the discloseddispenser.

FIGS. 10 a-10 c are side plan views illustrating a method of using thedisclosed dispenser in accordance with some embodiments of the presentlydisclosed subject matter.

FIG. 11 is an alternate embodiment of a dispenser in accordance withsome embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter is introduced with sufficientdetails to provide an understanding of one or more particularembodiments of broader inventive subject matters. The descriptionsexpound upon and exemplify features of those embodiments withoutlimiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly describedembodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptionswill likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and featureswithout departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subjectmatter.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill inthe art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains.Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent tothose described herein can be used in the practice or testing of thepresently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, andmaterials are now described.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and“the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification,including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a device” caninclude a plurality of such devices, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or“including” when used herein specify the presence of stated features,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities ofcomponents, conditions, and so forth used in the specification andclaims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by theterm “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, thenumerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attachedclaims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desiredproperties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subjectmatter.

As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to anamount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentagecan encompass variations of, in some embodiments +/−20%, in someembodiments +/−10%, in some embodiments +/−5%, in some embodiments+/−1%, in some embodiments +/−0.5%, and in some embodiments +/−0.1%,from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in thedisclosed packages and methods.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items.

Relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or“horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationshipof one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region asillustrated in the drawing figures. It will be understood that theseterms and those discussed above are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted inthe drawing figures.

The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary information toenable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments andillustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading thefollowing description in light of the accompanying drawing figures,those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosureand will recognize applications of these concepts not particularlyaddressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts andapplications fall within the scope of the disclosure and theaccompanying claims.

The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to adispensing device that enables sensor-activated dispensing and playingof an auditory tone. The term “dispenser” refers to a container defininga reservoir housing a quantity of fluid or pumpable material typicallysufficient for a number of repeated applications by a user. As shown inFIG. 1 , dispenser 5 includes housing 10 comprising internal reservoir11 that houses a product to be dispensed. The dispenser further includessensor 20 that is triggered to release a predetermined amount of productfrom the internal reservoir via outlet 45. The sensor further triggersthe release of one or more predetermined auditory tones to be playedfrom base 25. The predetermined auditory tones can be selected frommusic, quotes, Scripture, jokes, passages from the King James Bible,short stories, and the like. Accordingly, users are encouraged tofrequently use dispenser 5, such as for hand washing and otheractivities.

As shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b , the device includes housing 10,reservoir 11, and base 25. In some embodiments, the main body,reservoir, and base are formed as a single unit and cannot be separatedfrom each other. In other embodiments, the main body, base, andreservoir are capable of releasable attachment to each other usingstandard techniques. For example, the various members of the dispensercan attach and detach using a snap fit connection, pressure fitconnection, screw threads, magnets, mechanical elements (e.g., screws,bolts, clips), and the like. In this way, the various components can becleaned or serviced as needed.

Housing 10 can be shaped as a curved body with a downward facing outlet45 that ensures when product is dispensed, it is done so with littlerisk of getting on the operator's clothing. It should be appreciatedthat the dispenser can take any shape and is not limited to the shapeset out in the Figures. For example, dispenser 5 can be configured tocorrespond to a particular theme, such as that of an animal, event,person, cartoon character, and the like. The housing can further includeany desired colors and/or patterns as desired.

As described, housing 10 comprises internal reservoir 11 for containinga volume of product to be dispensed. The term “reservoir” as used hereinrefers to any structure having a closed end and an open end that can beused for storing and handling a product to be dispensed. FIG. 3 aillustrates one embodiment of reservoir 11. The shape of the reservoiris not limited so long as includes a sufficient volume to house aproduct to be dispensed (e.g., liquid hand soap). Reservoir 11 includesclosed end 20 and open end 21 configured to allow a desired amount ofproduct to be added.

In some embodiments, the open end of the reservoir can include lid 22(or any other closure) configured to form a seal at the top of thereservoir for maintaining the product within the reservoir, as shown inFIG. 3 b . The term “lid” refers to any closure that can be permanentlyor releasably attached to the open end (top end) of the reservoir.Optionally, the lid can include access 13 to allow a portion of theproduct to be retrieved. The access can include an aperture, port,valve, etc. The reservoir can therefore include an opening at the topedge to allow product to travel from the reservoir to the outlet fordispensing, as described in more detail below. However, it should beappreciated that lid 22 is optional.

Internal reservoir 11 houses a volume of product to be dispensed.Product 16 can include any of a wide variety of dispensable products,such as (but not limited to) personal care products (e.g., soap,dishwashing detergent, laundry detergent, lotion, sunscreen, toothpaste,cleaners, polishing agents, shampoo, air freshener, conditioner, hairgel, hair cream, hair oil, and the like) and/or food products (e.g.,sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, relish, and the like). In someembodiments, product 16 can include any pumpable product.

As shown in FIG. 3 c , the reservoir optionally includes window 53 thatallows the user to determine the level of product 16 remaining to bedispensed. The window can include a portion of transparent orsemi-transparent material that allows the user to view product 16 todetermine whether the reservoir needs to be refilled.

Housing 10, base 25, and reservoir 11 can have any desiredcross-sectional shape. For example, these elements can have a round,oval, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, abstract,etc. shape. Any shape can be used.

FIG. 4 a illustrates one embodiment of the top face of the dispenser. Insome embodiments, a portion of top face 35 can be removed or opened toaccess the reservoir, such as to add a desired amount of product 16.Thus, the top face can include door 13, which can be configured as alid, plug, spout, aperture, cap, and the like. The term “door” thusbroadly includes any element that allows a user to access the reservoir.In these embodiments, the door is releasably attached to top face 35using any known mechanism. For example, snap-fit, pressure-fit, hinge,magnets, hook and loop closure, clips, snaps, bolts, screws, and thelike can be used. In such embodiments, the door is operably connected tointernal channel 14 to allow a user to deposit product 16 into thereservoir, as shown in FIG. 4 b . The term “channel” refers to anypathway that allows a user to deposit product 16 in reservoir 11, suchas (but not limited to) tubing, conduit, pipe, or any other structurethat can contain and/or propagate product 16. Further, door 13 can beused to access the interior of the dispenser, such as for repair andmaintenance. Advantageously, the door can be removed or closed asdesired by the user to prevent dirt, moisture, etc. from entering thedispenser.

In some embodiments, the reservoir can be removed from the dispenser,such as to replace product 16, as shown in FIG. 4 c . Particularly, theuser can apply pressure to remove the reservoir to refill with a desiredamount of product 16. The reservoir can be removably attached to thehousing using any known mechanism, such as a snap-fit closure, pressurefit closure, magnets, clips, mechanical elements (screws, bolts, and thelike), hook-and-loop closure, etc.

FIG. 5 a is a bottom plan view of dispenser 5 illustrating oneembodiment of outlet 45 and sensor 20. As set forth above, product 16exits the internal reservoir via outlet 45, such as into a user's handsor a utensil (e.g., cup). Outlet 45 can include any known element, suchas a spout, nozzle, spray device, and the like. Thus, any type of outletcan be used. For example, the size of outlet 45 can be selected toprovide the appropriate flow rate and/or resistance against flow ofproduct 16 from the reservoir. In some embodiments, the outlet can bedisposed at a location on the lower face of the top portion of thehousing to make it more convenient for a user to place their hand underthe outlet. However, the location of the outlet is not limited.

In some embodiments, outlet 45 can be disposed to extend outwardly fromthe periphery defined by base 25. As such, if a user misses product(e.g., soap) dispensed from the outlet, the dropped product will notstrike on any portion of the housing. Accordingly, the dispenser doesnot become soiled from dripping product.

As shown, the dispenser also includes sensor 20 that functions toactuate the pump to dispense product 15. The term “sensor” refers to anyelement capable of detecting a change of state. In some embodiments,sensor 20 can be motion sensor, detecting motion. In other embodiments,sensor 20 is an infrared sensor that detects the presence of a user'shand. Thus, sensor 20 is configured to sense a user's hand or body partto activate the product dispensing sequence described below. However,sensor 20 is not limited and can include any known type of sensor (e.g.,heat-sensing, noise-sensing, and the like).

In some embodiments, sensor 20 can include a “trip light” or “interrupt”type sensor. For example, the sensor can include a light emittingportion and a light receiving portion. As such, a beam of light can beemitted from the light emitting portion and received by the lightreceiving portion. Sensor 20 can be configured to emit a trigger signalwhen the light beam is blocked, such as when a body is disposed in thepath of the beam of light. For example, if the light receiving portiondoes not receive the light emitted from the light emitting portion, thenthe sensor can emit a trigger signal.

Sensor 20 can be positioned on any location of housing 10. For example,the sensor can be positioned adjacent to the outlet (e.g., on the samesurface and/or the same plane), as shown in FIG. 5 a . In someembodiments, the sensor can be positioned about 0.1-1 inches from theoutlet (e.g., at least/no more than about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6,0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1 inch) to ensure that the sensor is triggered whenthe user positions his hands under the outlet. However, the location ofsensor 20 is not limited and can be positioned on any surface of thedevice. For example, FIG. 5 b illustrates one embodiment of dispenser 5comprising sensors positioned on the housing and base.

Housing 10 further includes base 25 configured as the lower unit of thedispenser. Base 25 provides support for the dispenser and houses one ormore speakers as illustrated in FIG. 6 . The term “speakers” broadlyrefers to an apparatus for converting electrical audio frequency signal(e.g., music or speech) to an audible signal. The speakers enable one ormore auditory tones to be broadcast when product is dispensed. Base 25can include any desired number of speakers. For example, the base caninclude 1-10 speakers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10). Further,the speakers can be positioned on any surface of the base, such asunderside speaker 51 positioned beneath the base, side speaker 52positioned on the left and/or right side of the base, front speaker 54positioned on a front face of the base, and/or rear speaker 55positioned on a rear surface of the base. Thus, speaker 50 can bepositioned at or adjacent to the front face of the dispenser, towardsthe user when the dispenser is in use. However, the location of thespeaker is not limited. Further, each speaker can be configured in anydesired shape or size.

The term “auditory tone” can include any desired sound, such as (but notlimited to) music, quotes, inspirational tones, Scripture, passages fromthe King James Bible, short stories, recipes, health tips, and the like.In some embodiments, the same auditory tone is repeated each time thesensor is activated. Alternatively, several different auditory tones canbe broadcast. For example, the dispenser can cycle through about 1-20different tones (e.g., at least/no more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20). In someembodiments, the auditory tone can be randomly selected from a set groupof tones.

Base 25 can have any desired size and/or shape so long as it supportshousing 10 and reservoir 11. Particularly, the base is designed tosupport the dispenser on a generally flat surface, such as thosenormally found on a countertop in a bathroom or a kitchen.

In use, a user deposits his hands or an appliance (a cup, dish, spraybottle) under dispenser outlet 45, triggering one or more sensors 20.The sensor activates both dispensing of a pre-determined amount ofproduct 16 from reservoir 11 and initiation of the playing of anauditory tone from speaker 50. To effectuate dispensing and the playingof the auditory sound, the dispenser includes a microcontroller, a motorcontroller, a motor pump, an MP3 module, and/or an audio amplifier.Specifically, when sensor 20 detects an object (e.g., a user's hands) itsends a signal to microcontroller 60, which acts as the brains of thedispenser. The term “microcontroller” refers to a device that minimallyincludes a processor logic (e.g., microprocessor), memory, and inputsand outputs that are adapted to execute instructions based oninformation stored in memory either within the microcontroller orexternal to the microcontroller. Optionally, the microcontroller caninclude any necessary timers or clocks.

The microcontroller receives the signal from sensor 20 and sends a setof signals to motor controller 65 and MP3 module 70 to allow thesecomponents to begin performing their own set of functions. In someembodiments, the set of signals are sent simultaneously to the motorcontroller and the MP3 module. Alternatively, the signal can first besent to the MP3 module and then to the motor controller (or vice vera).

The term “motor controller” refers to a device that includes a processorused to control a motor. When motor controller 65 receives a signal frommicrocontroller 60 telling it to engage, the motor controller thenactivates motor 75 that drives pump 80. When the pump is activated viathe motor (e.g., the motor turning), product 16 will begin being pulledfrom reservoir 11 and dispensed via outlet 45. For example, as shown inFIG. 8 , product 16 can travel from the reservoir via conduit 90 to exitthe dispenser at outlet 45. The term “conduit” broadly refers to any ofa wide variety of piping or tubing through which a fluid passes. In someembodiments, the conduit can be configured as hollow tubing, althoughany type or diameter of conduit can be used (e.g., pipe, hose, nozzle,capillary, sleeve, and the like). The conduit can be flexible (e.g.,capable of bending), allowing the dispenser to have a variety ofdifferent shapes. As shown, the conduit connects with reservoir 11 toallow pump 80 to drive movement of product 16 from the reservoir to thedispensing outlet.

The term “pump” as used herein broadly refers to any device, mechanism,or other structure that causes the movement of a product by theapplication of suction or pressure. Any type of pump can be used, suchas (but not limited to) a pulsatile pump, gear pump, diaphragm pump,centrifugal pump, gravity pump, direct lift pump, displacement pump,screw pump, velocity pump, and/or bellow pump. Please see, for example,U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,203,288; 7,785,247; 5,577,899; 7,014,436; 1,129,090;5,192,198; 1,645,498; 6,447,244; 3,781,141; 5,308,230; and 1,345,655,the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. Itshould be appreciated that any pump can be used in the discloseddispenser.

Pump 80 requires a power supply (e.g., a battery or electronics foraccepting AC or DC power). The power supply can be housed in any area ofthe disclosed dispenser. In some embodiments, the power supply ispositioned in the same section of the dispenser as the pump. However,the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and the powersupply and pump can be positioned in different areas of the dispenser.

Motor 75 can include any device that converts energy into usefulmechanical motion, such as rotation motion, axial motion, radial motion,and the like. The term “motor” therefore broadly includes all classes ormotoring and generating machines that convert electrical energy torotational motion and vice versa. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos.7,834,566; 9,231,459; and 8,714,481, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference herein.

At the same time that the motor controller is receiving the signal fromthe microcontroller and activating the motor and pump, MP3 module 70 canreceive a signal from the microcontroller and is activated, as shown inFIGS. 10 a-10 c . Specifically, a random audio file can be selected andplayed via speakers 50. In some embodiments, the same auditory tone istransmitted each time the sensor is triggered. Alternatively, apre-determined number of auditory tones can be cycled through orrandomly selected each time the sensor is triggered.

In some embodiments, the MP3 files can be stored on a removable micro-SDcard or other storage element inside the MP3 module, which allows forthe user to easily change the audio file, such as to update the file,recreate in a new language, etc. “MP3” refers to a particular audiocompression algorithm and can broadly refer to digital music using anycompression algorithm (e.g., AAC). In some embodiments. The MP3 modulecan include a wireless terminal. The MP3 module allows reproduction ofstored digital audio data. Speaker 25 is mounted on the dispenser toreceive the audio signal output from the MP3 module and output it to theexternal environment so a user can hear the auditory tone.

In some embodiments the dispenser can include an audio amplifier toallow for the speaker volume to be amplified and controlled. The audioamplifier can have any desired configuration, such as a knob or dial. Inthis way, the audio playing can be easily heard by the user. In someembodiments, the product dispensing and the initiation of auditory toneare simultaneous. In other embodiments, there is a 1-10 second delayfrom the time the sensor is activated until the product is dispensedand/or the auditory tone is initiated (or vice versa).

The auditory tone is emitted from speaker 25 for a pre-determined amountof time. For example, the auditory tone can span an appropriate time foradvising the user as to how long they should wash their hands (e.g., atleast/no more than about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60seconds). However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limitedand the auditory tone can be longer or shorter than the range givenherein. After the auditory tone ends and product 16 has been dispensed,the dispenser then transitions to idle mode until the sensor istriggered again by a user.

In some embodiments, an Arduino based code runs the device and lives onthe microcontroller, allowing the dispenser to properly function.Arduino is an open-source hardware and software company, project, anduser community that designs and manufactures single boardmicrocontrollers and kits for building digital devices. The code doesnot require any adjustment or activation by the user. However, the codecan optionally be adjusted by the user or manufacturer to change theamount of product 16 being dispensed or to change the number of audiofiles that can be randomly selected and played on the device.

The microcontroller, motor controller, motor pump, MP3 module, and audioamplifier can include a casing or seating within the interior ofdispenser 5. In this way, each element can be seated and housed withinthe dispenser interior. It should be appreciated that the cited elementscan be configured in any area of the dispenser interior, such as (butnot limited to) adjacent to or on top of the reservoir, adjacent tooutlet 45, adjacent to base 25, adjacent to one or more speakers, or anyarea in between.

The schematic of FIG. 9 illustrates one method of activating thedispenser to dispense and play the auditory tone as described above.

Although described as being touchless above, the presently disclosedsubject matter also includes embodiments wherein the dispenser includesa hand pump feature to allow the user to manually dispense product 16.FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of a suitable hand pump that can beused. As shown, the pump feature includes discharge nozzle 100 throughwhich product 16 exits the dispenser. The dispenser also includes aninternal pump mechanism as described above. In use, the user is able todisplace a small amount of product from the internal reservoir to thedispensing nozzle by pressing down on the nozzle. The nozzle performslike a piston, as it is capable of being pressed down within the pumpassembly 101. A spring in the internal pump mechanism forces thedischarge nozzle upwards to its original position. As the dischargenozzle ascent, product from the reservoir is down into the suctionnozzle. It should be appreciated that any known manual pump mechanismcan be used.

The dispenser and any component thereof can be constructed from anydesired rigid or semi-rigid material. For example, the items can beconstructed from plastic, metal, wood, or combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the housing and base can be constructed from the samematerial. In other embodiments, one or more elements differ inconstruction material compared to at least one other.

Any known method can be used to construct dispenser 5. For example,thermoforming, welding, blow-molding, and the like can be used. Suchmethods are well known in the art.

The disclosed dispenser offers many advantages over the prior art. Forexample, the sensor is easy to fill and use, even by children or theelderly.

In addition, the auditory tone provides a sense of relaxation to theuser, depending on the auditory tone.

In some embodiments, the auditory tone is an indicator of the amount oftime a user should allot for finishing a task, such as washing hishands.

The dispenser further provides an automatic, hands-free option fordispensing a product to a user.

Further, when using the disclosed dispenser, product 16 willautomatically be released by a sensor that will activate the audibletone. The dispenser therefore encourages, motivates, and uplifts theuser when the user is going through a personal challenge or when theuser simply desires to enjoy the tone.

While the presently disclosed subject matter has been shown anddescribed above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatmany modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispenser comprising: a housing defined by aremovable inner reservoir; a dispensing outlet; a housing interior thatincludes a motor, a motor pump, and a conduit that connects thereservoir to the pump and the pump to the dispensing outlet; a baseoperatively connected to a bottom surface of the housing, wherein thebase comprises at least one speaker capable of transmitting an auditorytone; and a sensor capable of detecting the presence of a user, whereinthe sensor is configured to send a signal to a microcontroller that bothactivates a motor controller to dispense a predetermined amount ofproduct housed within the inner reservoir when the presence of a user isdetected, and activates a digital tone module to transmit the auditorytone from the speaker when the presence of the user is detected, wherebythe sensor activates both dispensing of the predetermined amount ofproduct and initiation of the auditory tone from the speaker; whereinthe housing includes a lip opposite from the inner reservoir, the lipextending beyond the base; and wherein the dispensing outlet and sensorare configured on a lower face of the lip.
 2. The dispenser of claim 1wherein the auditory tone is selected from music, quotes, Scripture,jokes, short stories, passages from the King James Bible, orcombinations thereof.
 3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the sensorand dispensing outlet are positioned on the lower face of the housinglip at a distance of about 0.1-1 inches apart.
 4. The dispenser of claim1, wherein a top surface of the housing includes an access operablyconnected to the inner reservoir.
 5. The dispenser of claim 1, whereinthe sensor is selected from a motion sensor, infrared sensor, or heatsensor.
 6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the speakers are positionedbeneath the base.
 7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the digital tonemodule is an MP3 module.
 8. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein themicrocontroller is configured to simultaneously send signals to themotor controller and the digital tone module.
 9. The dispenser of claim1, wherein the motor controller activates the motor to drive the pump todispense a product housed within the reservoir.
 10. The dispenser ofclaim 1, wherein the digital tone module is configured to play a randomaudio tone when the sensor is triggered.
 11. The dispenser of claim 1,wherein the digital audio tone is stored on a removable micro-SD card.12. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising an audio amplifier. 13.A method of simultaneously dispensing a product and transmitting anauditory tone from a dispenser upon triggering of a dispenser sensor,the method comprising: positioning an object to be detected by thesensor of the dispenser of claim 1 to trigger the sensor; dispensing apre-determined amount of product from the outlet; simultaneouslyemitting an auditory tone from the at least one speaker; wherein theauditory tone lasts for a pre-determined amount of time.
 14. The methodof claim 13, wherein the auditory tone is randomly selected from anumber of different auditory tones.
 15. The method of claim 13, whereinthe auditory tone is selected from music, quotes, Scripture, jokes,short stories, passages from the King James Bible, or combinationsthereof.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one speaker ispositioned beneath the dispenser base.
 17. The method of claim 13,wherein the microcontroller simultaneously sends signals to the motorcontroller and the digital tone module.
 18. The method of claim 13,wherein, wherein the digital tone module is configured to play a randomaudio tone when the sensor is triggered.